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Breakdown: Oilers-Wings

by
Michael Caples
/ Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings scored late in the first period Thursday night, which seemed to change the game’s momentum. But in the second period, Patrick O’Sullivan scored two goals in under three minutes, and the game was out of reach for the Wings.

It might not be a night full of memories for many Wings fans, but it will be one for Jakub Kindl. The Wings defenseman played in his first NHL game, and he looked sharp while he was out there. The 22-year-old native of the Czech Republic wore number 46, and played 14:18. He recorded one shot on goal, and while he was minus-two, he helped generate scoring chances throughout the game. He also had a nice diving play three minutes into the second period which helped break up a two-on-one.

One of the lone bright spots for the Wings was Dan Cleary’s goal in the first period. With under a second remaining, Cleary fired a rocket off the post and into the net, just beating the buzzer for his sixth goal of the season.

"I didn’t think we had the jump early on. I thought we gained some momentum late in the first period, but they got a couple lucky breaks, that went off our sticks, a couple of the goals, but they were working hard. They’re a hard working team, and they’re a fast team. Up front they have great speed and they use that speed, and we couldn’t respond on those goals."

The Wings are in danger of losing another player to injury, as defenseman Jonathan Ericsson left the game in the third period with assistance from teammates. Ericsson got tripped up behind the Wings’ goal, and his left ankle bent very awkwardly.

The Wings head to New Jersey for a game against the Devils on Saturday night.